City's £500,000 Friend

George Friend, an Exeter City youth product who turns 21 next month, joined Championship Wolves on transfer deadline day.

On leaving City, George thanked boos Paul Tisdale for showing faith in him, and director of football Steve Perryman (pictured) for his role as 'a mentor'.

We understand that his fee will net Supporters Trust owned City the following payments:

= An initial payment of £117,000.

= Two further guaranteed payments, each of around £117,0000, bringing the total 'initial fee' to £350,000.

= A further payment of £50,000 after 15 Wolves appearances.

= Another payment of £50,000 on reaching 30 Wolves appearances.

= A final payment of £50,000 on reaching 45 Wolves appearances.

= Finally, City will receive a 20% payment when George is sold on by Wolves. As ever, we're unclear whether we get 20% of Wolves' profit, or 20% of the total fee received.

We can't complain about the deal, which seems generous to City and a fair one for Wolves too. As we've always said, such is George's athleticism (he's big and quick) and his technical ability (good touch, sound passing) he doesn't represent too big a gamble.

Even if he doesn't shine like the star we know he is, we can be sure that he'll do the basics well whichever level he plays at.

A good day for City. And, in view of George's praise for Steve Perryman, I hope this is yet another lesson for those who unaccountably go on and on and on about Steve's role at City. Let's just accept that he's a vital part of our team.

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